FANS' favourite Leon Britton has revealed how he emerged from a Swansea City form slump.

Britton was the star man during the early weeks of Swansea's campaign as the twinkled-toed West Ham product bewitched Third Division defences.

But the 21-year-old former England Youth midfielder has this month suffered a downturn in form that coincided with some disappointing Swansea home performances.

But Britton was back to something approaching his best during last Saturday's 1-0 win at Rochdale. His effervescent show was almost capped by a second-half goal after a trademark step-over bamboozled the home defence.

Britton now hopes to repeat that form against Bristol Rovers tomorrow and repay the faith of boss Brian Flynn who took him aside when he was feeling blue.

"I spoke to the manager when things weren't going so well for me," revealed Britton, who agreed a two-year deal in the summer after starring on loan from the Hammers during Swansea's relegation battle last season.

"He said to me, 'Don't worry about it, every player has a dip in form over the season'.

"He just told me to keep doing the things I was doing when I was playing well and that my form would come back."

After such an electric start to the season that won him many admirers, the skilful Britton admits he was puzzled when his form drained away.

Britton was aware that youngsters often go through such periods but he insists that the experience will make him a better player.

"I know myself and the fans know that I haven't been playing as well as I can," he said.

"I did get a bit down after a few games because I wasn't playing that well.

"I was thinking to myself 'Why am I not playing well?' - and it does start to really play on your mind.

"I've been doing everything the same as what I'd normally do when I've been playing well.

"Maybe I'd had a couple of bad games and my confidence had gone down.

"But I've just carried on and tried to get out of it. On Saturday, I just cleared my mind and relaxed. I went out there and enjoyed it.

"I was pretty pleased with my performance and felt I was back to how I can play.

"As the game developed I could feel my confidence coming back. When things go well in the beginning of the games it starts to build your confidence up. I'm hoping to take that into the next few games."

On his season, Britton added, "It's my first full season playing first-team football and that was probably the first real dip in form I've had.

"It's been a bit strange but I believe these things make you a better player and a better character.

"To come back from things like this toughens you up."

And Britton has got experienced midfield partners to help him on the pitch.

"I've got some very good players - like Roberto Martinez and Mark Wilson - around me, they're good ball players.

"Mark's played in the Champions League (at Manchester United) and had good experience and Robbie's played in La Liga as well.

"They've both played top-flight football, so to have these players around me in the Third Division is really good.

"I've played every game this season, so it's been nice not to have a midweek game this week.

"But we've got a busy period coming up with LDV Vans and FA Cup matches and hopefully myself and the rest of the lads can stay fit through that period and improve further."